"You didn’t see that coming." – Quicksilver, Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Unexpected has proven to be synonymous with Malhar. Merriam-Webster defines ‘Unexpected’ as ‘sudden’. Malhar has unveiled layers of ‘unexpected’ by adding glamorous, sparkling, and most anticipated elements to it. With years piling up one over the other, we’ve seen the biggest reveals, surprise guests and startling shows put out on one of the largest college platforms.
Here’s a compilation of one such Malhar edition voicing the unseen, seemingly smaller moments that stick around after everything fades.
“Counting Stars”
Malhar has long been a host to stalwarts from every field, be it as our esteemed judges or the fabulous Conclave lineup. Interactions with celebrities and captivating personalities have been a prime experience in a Xavierite’s life, and our workforce was no different! Fnd OG fondly remembers the time he got to spend time with Mr. Imran Khan roaming the college and cited it as his ‘unexpected’ time at Malhar 2024. Similarly, hosting Mr. Taha Shah for a session was a welcome surprise, as recalled by our Conclave OG.
"Prima Facie"
Creatives really dished it out with us, as they elaborated about the unique colour palette of the logo and layering of elements. Viva La Vida called us all to reignite our fire and indulge in the celebration of life, soaring high as we go like the eagle.
जुगाड़
DnM really is the embodiment of ‘Lightning Minds’. Even after seeing last-minute falls in their installation, they were not ones to back down or break apart. Keeping cool heads and with a show-must-go-on attitude, they got back to work, fixed, taped and painted to serve aesthetics.
“Suddenly I See”
The judge leaving the block and breaking into the crowd was not on Assistance’s Bingo card for sure. But after several rounds of dehydration and assisting the audience to reach their desired location, they came back to do it all over again!
“After All This Time?”
Enough cannot be said about the bonds created and the trust built here, together as a team. Marketing OG recollects the time being a stall volunteer last year, and facing spontaneous pressures. However, the entrustment of responsibility by his OGs and their belief in him was what carried him through. FA OGs shared teary-eyed moments with their team last year, despite vowing not to cry. The final-day parting really does get to you, even when one might consider themselves ‘not emotional.’ FnD core rightly summed it up: “Getting a personal message from the OC or the OGs themselves saying that, despite being FYs, you've done something crazy, that felt great. It made you feel proud of yourself. Walking out of the Bonet Lab with more friends and people that we connected with throughout Malhar is the definition of contentment.”
Because these unpredictable moments are the ones that you will share and tell your friends about months later, the memories that make you smile on train rides, and the reason everyone keeps coming back each year (we promise we still do). Despite all the planning, the true magic is created when it all goes haywire and we come together to glue it up.
These finer tones - be it dramatic, perplexing, lovable or sorrowful- are bound to get to you. Make it count and be one with the flow, to embrace your first ‘unexpected’— be it a crazy collaboration, or leaving college under the starry night.. Because whether you like it or not, the Cinderella spell will wear out!
And even when college returns to normal, the smiles never leave our faces. Malhar 2024 has ignited the blaze, and we can’t wait to embrace it in our world within. Hope you’re ready, only 4 days to go!